Concentrations of Fat, Protein, Lactose, Macro and Trace Minerals in Alpaca Colostrum and Milk at Different Lactation Stages

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Alpacas and llamas are domesticated species of New World camels. If the mare dies or produces insufficient colostrum or milk, information about the composition of colostrum and milk is needed to formulate suitable substitutes to adequately supply the crias. Milk composition in alpacas has been sparsely studied. In this study colostrum samples were taken daily during the first four days after parturition and milk samples were obtained monthly during the first four months of lactation. The samples were analyzed for their composition. The fat and lactose content are lowest on the day of birth and then increase, the protein content decreases during the first four days. Over the next four months, these contents do not change significantly. The results can be used for the development of colostrum and milk replacers. ABSTRACT: Although alpacas are not used for milk production a detailed knowledge on the composition of the colostrum and milk is needed for development of colostrum and milk replacers. The aim of the present study was to measure the concentration of fat, protein, lactose, and minerals in alpaca colostrum and milk. Colostrum samples were taken daily over four days after parturition from 20 multiparous alpaca mares. Milk samples were obtained monthly, during the first four months of lactation from 17 alpacas. Composition of colostrum and milk differed in numerous indicators. The concentrations of fat and lactose increased from day 1 (0.5%, 4.0%) to day 4 (5.3%, 5.0%), protein decreased from 20.4% on day 1 to 8.3% on day 4. In milk these three indicators did not change during the lactation. Minerals have been little studied in alpaca colostrum and milk in the past, many of which had the highest concentrations in colostrum immediately after birth. The results of the present study do not support that goat’s milk is the preferred substitute for feeding crias. This study contributes to the knowledge of the composition of alpaca colostrum and milk which can be of particular use in developing replacers.